Porsche to install more than 49,000 charging points across Europe

Just a few months after the launch, Porsche is expanding its charging service for plug-in and electric vehicles by five countries and a host of new functions: the platform now has over 49,000 charging points in twelve countries.

Porsche to install more than 49,000 charging points across Europe

Just a few months after the launch, Porsche is expanding its charging service for plug-in and electric vehicles by five countries and a host of new functions: the platform now has over 49,000 charging points in twelve countries.

Alongside Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Finland, the charging service is now also available in Norway, France and Spain. Great Britain and Italy will follow shortly.

A new feature offered by the Porsche Charging Service is a rating function. This indicates when a vehicle was last charged at a charging station, and also lets users know how up-to-date and reliable the information is for the respective charging point. In order to permit better planning of charging operations, the daily capacity utilisation of the charging station is also shown.

In addition, the user interface in the app and the navigation function have been improved: After selecting a charging point, it is now easier to switch to navigation via Google Maps, whether on a smartphone or via Apple CarPlay in the vehicle.

The Porsche Charging Service, the digital platform for all charging-related services, was launched in May 2018. The service searches for suitable charging stations and performs invoicing via centrally stored payment details. It is therefore not necessary to register with different providers. This takes place across the covered countries at a guaranteed unit price per market and independent of currency. The corresponding free app and the Porsche navigation system guide customers to the selected charging station.

Information on the location and availability of charging stations and on the price for vehicle charging are available in real-time. At the charging station, user identification takes place either by QR code via the app or with the so-called "Porsche ID Card", which users receive free of charge after registering for the service.

In Germany, the fee for using the Porsche Charging Service is €2.50 ($2.85) per month. The costs for actual charging come on top of this: these depend on the provider as well as the amount of power charged. The prices are shown in detail and also according to power class/charging speed if wished.

The app can be used on all mobile devices with iOS or Android operating system. The service is generally available to all drivers of hybrid or electric vehicles. It is not limited to Porsche sports cars.

11-12 June 2019Coventry, United Kingdom

Hubject, the eMobility market expert and globally recognised leader in EV charging interoperability, announced that it is collaborating with EV charging leader Greenlots to deploy its innovative, customer-friendly ISO 15118 Plug&Charge technology in North America.

Hubject, the eMobility market expert and globally recognised leader in EV charging interoperability, announced that it is collaborating with EV charging leader Greenlots to deploy its innovative, customer-friendly ISO 15118 Plug&Charge technology in North America.

Customers with new, Plug&Charge-enabled vehicles will no longer need to worry about using an app or card to pay for their charge. This achievement is the result of a partnership between Hubject and Greenlots, a US-based leader in EV charging and energy management software and solutions and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shell New Energies.

With Hubject's Plug&Charge ecosystem and public key infrastructure, Greenlots' SKY network will be capable of securely authenticating and authorising EV charging simply by plugging into the vehicle. This technology has the potential to render RFID card and app-based payment systems obsolete within the next few years, making EV charging simpler and more accessible than pumping gas.

"Our expertise in Plug&Charge implementation has been developed over the last several years and Greenlots recognised our ability to provide them with the most advanced solution to enhance their customers' EV charging experience," said Paul Glenney, North American CEO of Hubject. "Through partnerships with industry leaders like Greenlots, we're able to make charging more convenient than ever, a key factor in increasing EV adoption and reducing carbon emissions."

Customer privacy and safety are key components of this system, which is why it has been endorsed by nearly all major automakers. The secure digital communication of the Plug&Charge system gives peace of mind to both new players in the connected mobility industry and drivers alike.

"We're always on the lookout for harmonious technologies that make EV charging faster, easier and more accessible for drivers," said Harmeet Singh, CTO of Greenlots. "We're very proud that we will be one of the first EV charging platforms in the U.S. to offer the most convenient charging experience. Making charging as simple as pumping gas is essential now that more and more drivers are switching to electric vehicles."

With the enablement of the ISO 15118 protocol, Greenlots will provide network operators a greater level of management and increased energy and cost efficiencies. Smart charging benefits multiple stakeholders, including utility companies and fleet owners, as it securely connects vehicles to infrastructure.

MAHLE licenses WiTricity’s technology for EV wireless charging

WiTricity, an industry pioneer in wireless power transfer over distance, announced that MAHLE, a top 20 global Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, has entered into a technology license for access to WiTricity’s patented technology.

MAHLE licenses WiTricity’s technology for EV wireless charging

WiTricity, an industry pioneer in wireless power transfer over distance, announced that MAHLE, a top 20 global Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, has entered into a technology license for access to WiTricity’s patented technology.

MAHLE is a well-known international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry as well as a pioneer for the mobility of the future. The group's product portfolio addresses all the crucial issues relating to the powertrain and air conditioning technology—both for drives with combustion engines and for e-mobility.

Access to WiTricity wireless energy transfer technology will enable MAHLE to develop additional innovative solutions for e-mobility. Major automotive markets in Europe and Asia pledge to go all-electric over the next few decades, and all global carmakers are at work developing new vehicle platforms for e-mobility.

"This addition to the MAHLE portfolio provides us with a crucial element for the long-term acceptance and expansion of e-mobility. We believe this technology offers strong market potential. Our solution will enable fast, reliable and highly efficient charging," says Dr. Jörg Stratmann, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of MAHLE.

"We are excited to enter into a relationship with MAHLE given its rich history of technical leadership in the automotive industry and given its aggressive investment in e-mobility," said Alex Gruzen, WiTricity CEO. "Wireless charging is key to accelerating EV sales, and we are proud to work with MAHLE to bring WiTricity technology to customers around the world."

Škoda testing charging infrastructure at Mladá Boleslav headquarters

Extensive tests are being carried out at at Škoda Auto’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav using more than 300 charging points in order to further optimise the charging infrastructure and charging times. Thus, the company is laying the foundation for the brand’s electric vehicles to be launched in 2019.

Škoda testing charging infrastructure at Mladá Boleslav headquarters

Extensive tests are being carried out at at Škoda Auto’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav using more than 300 charging points in order to further optimise the charging infrastructure and charging times. Thus, the company is laying the foundation for the brand’s electric vehicles to be launched in 2019.

Škoda Auto is preparing itself and its surroundings for the requirements of electromobility. In 2018, the Czech car manufacturer invested €3.4 million ($3.88 million) in the expansion of its internal electrical infrastructure at its headquarters.

Michael Oeljeklaus, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, says: "Preparations for e-mobility at Škoda are in full swing. For over a year, we have been conducting tests using morethan 300 charging points at our plant in Mladá Boleslav. We are now drawing on the experience and insights gained from these trials to further expand the charging infrastructure off the factory premises –a task we are undertaking in collaboration with Ško-Energo."

The technical development, quality assurance, sales and production departments are already testing the charging infrastructure at the Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav. Last year, the manufacturer invested a total of around €3.4 million ($3.88 million) in its expansion: €1.65 million ($1.88 million) went into modernising and expanding the power grid and a further €1.75 million ($2 million) was issued by Škoda Auto for the installation of more than 300 charging points. This is equivalent to more than 220 alternating current (AC) and more than 80 modern direct current (DC) charging stations.

In the next few years, Škoda Auto plans to expand the charging infrastructure beyond the plant gates. In collaboration with the energy provider Ško-Energo – Škoda Auto's energy provider for more than 20 years – and the local authority, the car manufacturer is preparing Mladá Boleslav for e-mobility, developing it into a smart city.

MP2 Energy launches Electric Vehicle Incentive Charging Plan

The plan utilises charging characteristics of Electric Vehicles and provides an incentive through free usage for users during the lowest cost hours of the day. In addition, customers will continue to receive a market competitive rate for all remaining energy needs.

The new MP2 Energy Electric Vehicle incentive plan is 100% renewable and enables electric vehicle owners to customise a charging schedule that fits with the plan incentives. Additionally, it fits well with MP2 Energy's larger offering of emerging technology programs, such as solar and storage incentives, and will assist in continued deployment of electric vehicles in Texas, as well as other competitive markets.

"This plan is a must for Texas electric vehicle owners, who will benefit from continued sustainability efforts coupled with cost savings," said Trey Price, Senior Vice President for MP2 Energy. "This product is custom designed for electric vehicle charging characteristics and offers customers free energy to charge their vehicle at the most optimal time."

The creation of this cutting-edge product further validates MP2 Energy as a market leader in innovative products for consumers. MP2 Energy has partnered with leading solar installers, energy storage providers and electric vehicle manufacturers to support the state's emerging technology growth.

Electric Nation completes its EV smart charging trial

By the time the Electric Nation project ended in December 2018 data had been collected from more than 140,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging events. Analysis suggests that there is likely to be sufficient flexibility to manage charging away from peak electricity demand periods.

Electric Nation completes its EV smart charging trial

By the time the Electric Nation project ended in December 2018 data had been collected from more than 140,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging events. Analysis suggests that there is likely to be sufficient flexibility to manage charging away from peak electricity demand periods.

Initial findings show that on average, vehicles are plugged in for over 12 hours, but they are rarely charging for the full time. Other conclusions from the project suggest that the average charging event starts with the battery already more than 50% full and EV owners only charge their EVs three times a week.

Electric Nation, which is the largest smart charging trial in the world, has been collecting data to expand understanding of the impact of the home charging of EVs on the local electricity network, and to evaluate the reliability and acceptability of smart charging to EV owners.

Over the 18-month trial EV owners were involved in tests of smart charging strategies. These included the use of apps to encourage driver interaction with smart charging systems to minimise disruption to planned EV journeys, and offering incentives to encourage EV owners to opt to charge their EVs when network congestion is low (e.g. overnight rather than early evening).

The trial recruited 673 plug-in EV drivers who represented a cross-section of plug-in vehicle types, with over 40 different makes and models of EVs taking part, including plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, and a selection of battery sizes. The project monitored participants' charging habits to gather data on plug-in behaviour including frequency, length and amount of energy consumed.

The trial will help Western Power Distribution improve its understanding of the impact of EVs on its networks and how this impact could be reduced using smart chargers alongside customer incentive schemes.

The Electric Nation project is being hosted by Western Power Distribution and is delivered by a partnership of EA Technology, DriveElectric, Lucy Electric GridKey and TRL. The project is funded via Ofgem through its Network Innovation Allowance scheme. The project aims to provide local electricity network operators with the tools to be able to ensure that their networks can cope with this massive new challenge, while avoiding replacing cables and substations.

The completion of the trial comes after more than two years of hard work for the Electric Nation partners, in particular DriveElectric, the lead on recruitment for the project since late 2016, and EA Technology, the technical lead.

The Electric Nation project team is now analysing data, writing reports and organising events to disseminate the findings. The Electric Nation trial took place in the WPD network areas in the Midlands, South West and South Wales.

Electrify America to add Tesla’s Powerpack battery systems at more than 100 new charging stations

Electrify America announced its plan to install Tesla Powerpack battery systems at more than 100 of their electric vehicle charging stations nationwide over the course of 2019.

Electrify America to add Tesla’s Powerpack battery systems at more than 100 new charging stations

Electrify America announced its plan to install Tesla Powerpack battery systems at more than 100 of their electric vehicle charging stations nationwide over the course of 2019.

The battery systems will be deployed to mitigate higher power demand charges and manage operating costs by avoiding or reducing demand and energy charges during peak charging periods.

Each site will consist of a 210 kW battery system with roughly 350 kWh of capacity. With a modular design, more capacity can be added over time.

"Our stations are offering some of the most technologically advanced charging that is available," said Giovanni Palazzo, Chief Executive Officer of Electrify America. "With our chargers offering high power levels, it makes sense for us to use batteries at our most high demand stations for peak shaving to operate more efficiently. Tesla's Powerpack system is a natural fit given their global expertise in both battery storage development and EV charging."

With more and more EVs hitting the road, Electrify America has designed its sites and electrical systems to easily enable future upgrades to meet the demand of the growing market and proactively engage with a changing utility landscape and rate structures.

The Electrify America charging system features the first-ever certified cooled-cable 350 kW chargers in the United States. A 350 kW charger can theoretically charge a vehicle at speeds up to 20 miles per minute – seven times faster than today's most commonly used 50 kW fast chargers.

As Electrify America continues to build out its network with this technology, it will continually work to develop and deploy innovative solutions to bring down the operating cost of fast charging, providing sustainability to the grid and reliability to drivers.

Electrify America's nationwide DC fast charging stations will be located in 17 metropolitan areas and along high-traffic corridors in 42 states, including two cross-country routes.

Audi’s e-tron charging service goes on-grid

The Audi e-tron Charging Service has received the green light to go on-grid in ten markets. The service will be rolled out in a further six markets in the first quarter and expanded in Eastern Europe over the course of the year.

Audi’s e-tron charging service goes on-grid

The Audi e-tron Charging Service has received the green light to go on-grid in ten markets. The service will be rolled out in a further six markets in the first quarter and expanded in Eastern Europe over the course of the year.

When driving abroad, Audi customers can charge their cars according to the local purchasing conditions without any extra costs. To cover individual charging needs, customers can choose from two different tariffs. Providing a premium charging offer, Audi makes 80% of all public charging stations in Europe accessible on the basis of just one contract.

The e-tron marks the dawn of a new era for Audi. The brand with the four rings is being transformed from a classic automotive manufacturer into a premium mobility systems supplier. The Audi e-tron Charging Service is part of a broad-based offering for charging and provides access to the public charging infrastructure in 16 European countries.

The service will be rolled out in eight additional markets in Eastern Europe over the course of the year. Audi's charging card brings together more than 72,000 charging points operated by 220 providers. On longer journeys, Audi customers can charge their cars at the high-power IONITY network charging terminals and benefit from special conditions. Additional HPC charging points operated by other providers round off the e-tron Charging Service for long-distance journeys.

To cover individual charging needs, the e-tron Charging Service offers two different tariffs. The "City" tariff is aimed primarily at urban commuters. It is available for a basic fee of €4.95 per month. For each charging process, customers then pay €7.95 for AC charging (up to 22 kW) and €9.95 for DC charging (up to 50 kW), regardless of the charging duration and how much energy is drawn.

For drivers who regularly travel long-distance, Audi recommends the "Transit" tariff. This costs €17.95 per month, although a one-year waiver of the basic fee is granted for first-time Audi e-tron buyers. With the "Transit" tariff, customers benefit from better access conditions with HPC contract partners such as IONITY, higher charging capacities and shorter charging durations.

The Audi e-tron is the first series-production model capable of charging with up to 150 kW at their HPC (high-power charging) stations. This means that the electric SUV is all set for the next long-distance stretch of a journey in approximately half an hour. And what's more, the majority of electricity in IONITY's network is generated from green sources.

Standardised, country-specific prices mean that one can travel freely and easily without having to constantly compare prices. Even when driving abroad, all you need is one contract and you can charge your car in currently 16 European countries. Audi customers will always pay the local standard price (based on charging speed) in whatever country they are in — and without any extra roaming costs. Thus, a customer traveling in a foreign country can charge their car at exactly the same price as a local user of the e-tron Charging Service.

The myAudi app or Audi navigation system can help locate the nearest charging station. In addition to planning your route and activating the charging points that it finds, the myAudi app can also tell whether or not the charging terminal is currently available for use. One can start the charging process using your Audi charging card or the myAudi app. Identification and billing are performed automatically in the background. The app also displays the current charge status of your car.

To use the e-tron Charging Service, customers need to register once on the myAudi portal and conclude an individual charging contract. All charging processes are automatically billed together at the end of the month. One can use the myAudi portal or myAudi app to view your charging history and bills as well as manage your contract arrangements.

Audi developed the e-tron Charging Service together with Volkswagen Financial Services AG. The collaboration with Digital Charging Solutions GmbH has resulted in one of the biggest charging networks in Europe.

"We are delighted to offer our e-tron customers a premium charging service with full network coverage and, together with our partners, to expand the electric mobility ecosystem," said Fermin Soneira, Audi's Head of Product Marketing.

Volkswagen Financial Services AG will be responsible for further expanding the charging service.